First escaped populations of Gazania ×splendens Hend. & Andr. Hend. (Asteraceae) in Algeria

Abstract

During field surveys carried out in north-eastern Algeria, the escape of Gazania × splendens Hend. & Andr. Hend. was observed; it is reported here as in the process of naturalization for the first time in Algeria and continental North Africa. This hybrid of the Asteraceae family, highly appreciated and widely used in ornamentation, was discovered at a single locality on a coastal dune in the Skikda region, where it is currently colonizing disturbed habitats, in particular the edges of sidewalks. It grows on sandy soil, spreads from seeds and seems to have escaped from the countless green spaces in the region. Gazania × splendens manages to cope well with summer heat and drought and has maintained itself at the site for more than three years. Field photos and a map marking the escaped populations and the cultivated populations in their vicinity are provided.